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Our Bureau

Mumbai, Feb. 14 National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd for its ‘Village Development Plan’ and implementation of Natural Resource Management and Dry Land Agriculture.

To be implemented in 75 villages across 31 districts in Maharashtra, the project will not only ensure availability of water for agriculture but also supply of potable water to villages. Nabard will provide Rs 1.5 lakh to each village over three years. The remaining expenses are to be shared by district banks, Jain Irrigation Systems, farmers and other stakeholders.

The project involves development of rain water harvesting and water storage structures, efficient water distribution and utilisation systems using solar pumps, development cropping plan and contract farming with value addition.

Apart from farm activities, Jain Irrigation will also help in non-farming developments such as rural housing, solar street lights, women empowerment, rural skills upgradation, and entrepreneurship development.

Mr Anil Jain, Managing Director, Jain Irrigation, said: “The company has developed the technology for creation of water resources, efficient water utilisation and use of solar energy along with modern agricultural practices. This is a unique model of public-private participation in agriculture and rural development.”

Mr Sukhbir Singh, Chief General Manager, Nabard, said: “Dry land, rain-fed farming being the mainstay of Indian agriculture, the improvement in agricultural production and income from these areas is a major concern. A number of villages under Village Development Plan fall in such areas in the State.”

More Stories on : Rural Development | Agricultural Institutions

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